The Weekly Show: Episode 50 - John 12:1-1-11

Join Tim and John as they Have the 50th Episode! and study John Chapter 12 Verses 1-11.

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/

Introduction to John 12:1-11

John 12 marks the beginning of Jesus’ final week before His crucifixion, often referred to as the Passion Week. This chapter serves as a turning point in John’s Gospel, shifting from Jesus’ public ministry to His journey toward the cross.

In John 12:1-11, we see a contrast between those who honor Jesus and those who oppose Him. The scene takes place in Bethany, the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, just six days before the Passover.

Key Themes & Context

1. Mary’s Extravagant Worship (John 12:1-3)

• Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a costly perfume (pure nard) and wipes them with her hair.
• This act is a symbol of devotion, love, and possibly a recognition of Jesus’ coming death.

Judas’ Hypocrisy (John 12:4-6)

• Judas Iscariot criticizes Mary, claiming the money could have helped the poor.
• John reveals Judas’ true motives—he was a thief, caring more about money than Jesus.
• This moment foreshadows Judas’ eventual betrayal.

Jesus’ Response: Preparing for His Burial (John 12:7-8)

• Jesus affirms Mary’s act, saying, "She has kept it for the day of My burial."
• He points to His imminent death, showing that His mission is reaching its climax.

The Growing Opposition (John 12:9-11)

• The chief priests plot to kill Lazarus because his resurrection leads many to believe in Jesus.
• Their hatred for Jesus extends to Lazarus, demonstrating their refusal to accept the truth.

Significance of This Passage

• Jesus is honored by some (Mary) and rejected by others (Jewish leaders).
• Mary’s act of worship foreshadows Jesus’ burial and reminds us that true disciples give their best to Jesus.
• Judas represents false discipleship—following Jesus for selfish gain rather than sincere faith.
• The plot against Lazarus shows the hardness of unbelief—some would rather destroy evidence than accept the truth.

Mary’s Extravagant Worship (John 12:1-3) Context

This event takes place six days before the Passover, in Bethany, where Jesus had recently raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11). Jesus is at a dinner given in His honor, hosted by Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

Mary’s Act of Worship

"Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil." (John 12:3, NKJV)

• A Costly Sacrifice
  • Mary anoints Jesus with pure nard, an expensive perfume extracted from a rare plant found in India.
  • This perfume was worth about 300 denarii—nearly a year’s wages for a laborer.
  • This extravagant gift reflects her deep love, devotion, and recognition of Jesus’ worth.
• Anointing Jesus’ Feet
  • In biblical culture, anointing was usually done on the head (see Mark 14:3), but Mary anoints Jesus’ feet.
  • This act demonstrates humility and service, as only servants would touch someone’s feet.
  • It is an act of worship, acknowledging Jesus as her Lord and King.
• Wiping His Feet with Her Hair
  • In Jewish culture, women rarely let their hair down in public—it was seen as improper.
  • By wiping Jesus’ feet with her hair, Mary shows total humility and surrender.
  • This reflects her deep love and reverence, holding nothing back in her devotion.
• The Fragrance Filled the House
  • The perfume’s scent symbolizes how Mary’s worship impacted everyone around her.
  • True worship has a lasting effect—not just on the worshiper, but on those who witness it.

Spiritual Significance

1. A Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Death